Generational faithfulness brings both legacy and lasting reward.
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (v.22) This proverb underscores the long-term view of a person’s actions, highlighting how a righteous individual thinks beyond immediate gain and ensures blessings for future generations. Though attributed to King Solomon, who reigned from around 970-931 BC, it communicates the timeless principle that doing good extends far beyond the visible horizon of one’s own life. The inheritance mentioned here can be understood not only as material wealth, but also values, faith, and a legacy of integrity.
When “the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous” (v.22), it reveals a broader wisdom theme in Proverbs: ill-gotten gain does not endure, and eventually, resources gravitate toward those walking in God’s ways. In other parts of Scripture, we see how hoarding treasures or pursuing dishonest gain leads to emptiness (James 5:2-3). Conversely, righteous living centers on faith, stewardship, and generosity—principles that uplift others and bring security grounded in trust in the Lord.
This verse’s message resonates with Jesus’s teaching on laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), emphasizing that true wealth is found in following God wholeheartedly and blessing the next generation. The faithful person’s inheritance is not merely physical; it brims with spiritual substance, passing on a godly heritage.
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Proverbs 13:22 meaning
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (v.22) This proverb underscores the long-term view of a person’s actions, highlighting how a righteous individual thinks beyond immediate gain and ensures blessings for future generations. Though attributed to King Solomon, who reigned from around 970-931 BC, it communicates the timeless principle that doing good extends far beyond the visible horizon of one’s own life. The inheritance mentioned here can be understood not only as material wealth, but also values, faith, and a legacy of integrity.
When “the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous” (v.22), it reveals a broader wisdom theme in Proverbs: ill-gotten gain does not endure, and eventually, resources gravitate toward those walking in God’s ways. In other parts of Scripture, we see how hoarding treasures or pursuing dishonest gain leads to emptiness (James 5:2-3). Conversely, righteous living centers on faith, stewardship, and generosity—principles that uplift others and bring security grounded in trust in the Lord.
This verse’s message resonates with Jesus’s teaching on laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), emphasizing that true wealth is found in following God wholeheartedly and blessing the next generation. The faithful person’s inheritance is not merely physical; it brims with spiritual substance, passing on a godly heritage.